Crime reporter

Lloyd Rayney, his daughter Sarah and legal team enter court on the day of the verdict.

Lloyd Rayney's defamation case against the state has been stalled by an appeal against his acquittal over the murder of his wife.

Supreme Court Justice James Edelman handed down a judgment against ordering the state to file an amended defence case to Mr Rayney's defamation allegations - for fear of interfering with ongoing criminal proceedings.

Justice Edelman said although Mr Rayney was entitled to a decision without delay, he would not order make new orders while the appeal against his acquittal was still afoot.

Mr Rayney launched the defamation proceedings against the state in September 2008 after Senior Sergeant Jack Lee - the man leading the murder investigation into his wife Corryn's death - branded him the investigation’s "prime" and "only" "suspect.